By Brian Bohl
After months of deliberation, President Stuart Rabinowitz appointed Professor Aaron D. Twerski as the new dean of the School of Law.
“Professor Twerski is an ideal choice to lead our excellent law school to even greater stature,” Rabinowitz said. “He is a nationally and internationally renowned scholar and a revered teacher, who possesses tremendous energy, leadership ability, enthusiasm and integrity.”
The ongoing search commenced in September and the turnout of applicants was promising, Provost Herman Berliner said.
According to a press release from the law school, the candidates were considered acceptable only if they met specific criteria. The deserved candidate should have a record of exceptional accomplishment in the field of law, demonstrate strong leadership qualities, posses the ability to raise funds and work well with the faculty and administration.
Twerski has been a visiting professor at Cornell Law School, Boston University and the University of Michigan. He was a teaching fellow at Harvard School of Law from 1966 to 1967 and was a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice. Twerski holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Marquette University.
During the search, Professor Alan Resnick served as the interim dean. Resnick has taught at the University since 1974 after graduating from Georgetown University Law Center and Harvard Law School. He also served as associate dean from 1979 to 1981.
The interview process was extended into its seventh month, but committee members said they expected the ordeal to be lengthy.
“When I took the position I thought that it would likely last for approximately one year. That is the time it usually takes to search for a new dean,” Resnick said.
Resnick embraced the opportunity to fill the position of the University’s top law school official.
“My responsibilities included fostering good alumni relations and raising
funds for scholarships and new programs,” Resnick said. “I also interacted with the central administration on matters concerning the University.”
The search committee wanted to name a dean who will increase the school’s prestige and attract more students, adding to the over 900 full-time and 100 part-time students currently enrolled.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the law school and the University is looking for someone that will take it to the next level.
“We are looking for a top legal scholar and educator,” Berliner said. “We want a person who has the leadership skills to help move our fine Law School to a position of even
more national recognition.”